There is no denying it, I am a tad fond of Chanel.
Not just because of King Karl, but because I think Gabrielle Chanel is one of the finest designers of our time, not to mention her inimitable daring manner for her generation.
But alas, it was over to the King and Queen of Paris fashion this week at the opening Chanel's photographic exhibition dedicated to Karl Lagerfeld's latest book, “The Little Black Jacket: Chanel's classic revisited by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld”.
It opened last Friday at the Saatchi Gallery in the Duke of York’s HQ on London's King's Road and lets just say it wasn't just the magnificent artwork adorning the walls that was the talk of the party, it was the guest list itself, dressed top to toe in Chanel.
Yes I could talk about the exhibition going from Tokyo, New York, Taipei and Hong Kong, where they went all out to promote the brand values of creativity, modernity and excellence. But, they needn’t have bothered as the impeccably dressed guest list did all that for them. (Imagine it – getting that call…'Please would you like to come to Karl and Carine's party and ohh, can we dress you in Chanel'….is there any other answer?)
So here's the deal. There is no doubt that you will discover the versatility and timelessness of the iconic Chanel jacket through Lagerfeld's 113 magnificent photographs, modeled on a range of pals of the House. We’re not talking your average neighbour here; think Stella Tennant, Lily Allen, Tilda Swinton, Edie Campbell, Dakota Fanning, and Charlotte Casiraghi etc. If ever there was a mechanic to showcase how the Chanel tweed jacket has transcended time to become a fashion classic, this is it. Of course the genius styling by Carine, highlights the tweed jacket in its many guises and proves that yes, it can be worn by everyone!
With a design dating back to the 50s, it’s a pretty impressive feat is it not? Gabrielle was daring, opting for a boxy shape, which was far removed from the fashion at the time that featured the cinched in waist. There is a slight masculine feel to it, yet giving us that taste of elegant femininity that only Gabrielle 'Coco' could do. This exhibition highlights that even then she was absolutely right when she said: "fashion passes, style remains" – how true, as Karl has proved.
So if you are in London before 28 October, do make the effort to view this exhibition or try some window-shopping at one of their Chanel stores where you will envy the latest collection of jackets, paying homage to exhibition of course.
But in the meantime, feast your eyes on the guest styling of the guest list. Lady Amanda Harlech wore top and trousers from Haute Couture AW12 with a little clutch, Alice Dellal wore a quirky little dress from Haute Couture SS09 (you see how a Chanel will always be a classic), Keira Knightly wore a ready to wear dress from AW 12/13 with the sought after Chanel Boy bag, complemented with some magnificent jewels from their own collections and on and on it went. Quite frankly, if you were at the party and weren’t decked out head to toe in Chanel it was time to hail a cab!
Opening hours: 10:00AM-6:00PM, 7 days a week, last entry 5:30PM.
Free admission.
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